Hoboken jogger Andrew Jarzyk's family confirms his death; encourages all to 'Be grateful every day that you do see the beautiful sun rise'

Hudson Reporter

Apr 29, 2014 | 62868 views | 3 | 28 | |

ANDREW JARZYK FOUND -- The body of missing Hoboken man Andrew Jarzyk, 27, was found on Monday around 5 p.m. among the ferry slips at the Hoboken train terminal. He had disappeared while jogging near the waterfront in the wee hours of a rainy Sunday a month ago. But how did he end up in the river?

HOBOKEN -- Late Tuesday night, the family of Hoboken resident Andrew Jarzyk confirmed that a body pulled out of the Hudson River on Monday around 5 p.m. was their missing son and brother.

Andrew Jarzyk, 27, disappeared a month ago, shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, after he went for a jog along the Hoboken waterfront.

Before that, he had been relaxing with friends at the West Five Supper Club near his home on the west side of the mile-square city. He left the club around 1 a.m. early Sunday morning and went a few blocks home to change for a run. Then he headed east to the Hoboken waterfront. He was training for a half marathon.

He was spotted on a video from a restaurant near the waterfront jogging near Pier A Park in Hoboken. The park is a popular spot on the south waterfront for joggers. There was no video of him after that. Police searched the water for several days, but could not find an indication of what happened to Jarzyk.

On Monday evening, April 28, someone spotted a body at the ferry slips in back of the historic Hoboken train terminal. The terminal is directly south of Pier A. Both are at the most southeastern point of Hoboken, near Jersey City.

If he jogged onto Pier A, the railing is present all around, and it would be difficult to simply fall in. (You can see video here of a jog around Pier A; the Hoboken terminal and ferry slips are in the background.)

Police did not release any details on Tuesday. An autopsy was conducted and should give an indication if there is reason to suspect foul play, or if Jarzyk just had a moment of bad luck on a rainy night much like this one.

Family and friends have said that Jarzyk was a kind person with a good sense of humor, who enjoyed spending time with his family and girlfriend.

On Facebook on Tuesday night, the family posted the following message:

"Family/Friends/Great People we’ve met along the way 4/29/14

On behalf of my family, we would like to thank everyone for all of their continued support over the past 4 weeks. This has been an extremely difficult journey of many emotions during this time. Although this has been a very tragic ending, we have been able to get through this because of love, faith, and outpouring support that we have received from everyone. Andrew would be so proud. As we begin the healing process, please continue to be positive. Do not hang your heads on the “what if’s” in life. Andrew’s life on this earth was indeed cut very short. If you’ve crossed paths with him over these 27 years, consider yourself lucky. Andrew was very passionate about life and loved everyone. He would give you the shirt off his back and a shoulder to cry on if you needed it. Remember all of the smiles. Appreciate the time spent together. Most importantly, cherish the memories.

The coming days/weeks/months and even years will be painful. Grieve, but also smile. The beautiful thing about this earth is that the sun will rise again tomorrow. Remember that his memories will shine on us every day when that sun does rise in the morning.

At this time we do not have answers into why Andrew’s life ended at such a young age. Please be accepting to the fact we may never have these answers. As humans, we are resilient. We will get through this together. Do not walk this path alone. Seek comfort in others. Express your feelings to others. Hug others that are hurting just like you. Be grateful every day that you do see the beautiful sun rise in the sky again. Most importantly, keep Andrew in your hearts. Remember his smile and that he’s patiently waiting for all of us to meet again.

Once again, I thank you on behalf of my family. We would not be able to get through this without all of your support.

I have been praying for Andrew. I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter attended SU and met Andrew through a mutual friend. He was always nice and found time to check on her when visiting the campus. My heart goes out to you. May God give strength to your family.